Manchester College is among the top 24 “Best
Colleges” in the Midwest, as it continues to gain attention as a “Great
School at a Great Price” among the critics at U.S. News & World
Report. The college is an outstanding value – 5th in the
Midwest among schools in its category, the magazine reports in its
annual “America’s Best Colleges” issue that hits newsstands Monday, Aug.
22.

The rankings are an aid for college-bound students. “We do it to help
you make one of the most important decisions of your life,” U.S. News
& World Report tells high school students. “Your investment in a
college education could profoundly affect your career opportunities,
financial well-being, and quality of life.”

Manchester College, with 1,075 students last
school year, is 24th among “comprehensive colleges” in the
Midwest. The rankings are based on 15 categories ranging from class
sizes to percent of full-time faculty to alumni giving rates. About 56
percent of Manchester’s classes have fewer than 20 students, enhancing
student-faculty connections and personal attention. In addition, 92
percent of MC faculty members are full-time.

“Being named a great school at a great price
means that we offer both high-quality academic programs and real
affordability for families,” said David F. McFadden, vice president for
enrollment, planning and marketing. “We offer a personal touch that’s
hard to match at a big school, but without a big price tag.”

To earn its No. 5 ranking among “Great
Schools/Great Prices,” the magazine considered a number of financial
factors, as well as Manchester’s Top 25 position overall. About 79
percent of Manchester College students received financial grants based
on need in the last school year, averaging 50 percent of their total
costs. That brought their average costs down to $13,315.

In addition, Manchester is ranked No. 11 in the Midwest for "Least Debt"
-- graduates who have the lowest college debt. The magazine reported
that 54 percent of MC graduates are still paying off their college
loans, with an average debt of $14,180.

Manchester was ranked among comprehensive
colleges – schools that focus on undergraduate education and offer a
range of degree programs in the liberal arts and in professional fields
such as business and education.

Manchester alumni apparently agree with
U.S. News & World Report, by generously remembering their alma
mater. Last year, 30 percent of alumni made gifts to the college,
supporting major construction projects and The Manchester Fund, for
example. The giving rate was among the highest of the Midwestern
colleges and universities ranked.

This is the 11th consecutive year
Manchester College has received “Best College” listing by U.S. News &
World Report. Last year, the college was 33rd in overall
rank and 7th for Best Value.

“We’re always pleased to be ranked among the
best regional colleges in the Midwest,” said McFadden. “Especially
gratifying is that this year, our peers at other Midwestern colleges
ranked us among the top 15 schools in their classification. People who
know education and who know us best put us near the top.”

Manchester, a Church of the Brethren college,
offers in-depth studies in more than 34 fields of study. For more about
the College, visit
www.manchester.edu

For more about the U.S. News & World
Report’s “America’s Best Colleges,” visit
www.usnews.com